Marla Toyne

Biography

I am a physical anthropologist who specializes in human skeletal biology, paleopathology, bioarchaeology, and stable isotope science. My primary area of investigation is Andean South America, where I engage in contextually-based research focusing on the analysis of ancient skeletal and mummified remains, in order to explore broader anthropological interests including: the biocultural identification of violence and warfare, ritual activities, ethnic identity, mortuary complexity in ancient civilizations, and Andean prehistoric and Contact period social interactions. I earned my B.A. and M.A. from the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario. Her Ph.D. degree was awarded from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. I pursued anthropological post-doctoral research at the University of Western Ontario in the Laboratory for Stable Isotope Science. Currently, I am an assistant professor at UCF teaching both undergrad and graduate level courses. I have been awarded research grants from SSHRC, Canada, and the National Geographic Society. 

Research Interest

Biological anthropology; bioarchaeology; osteology; skeletal trauma; paleopathology; stable isotope analysis; dietary and environmental reconstruction; population mobility; Andean mortuary practices; social conflict; ritual violence; and vertical archaeological methods.